Second cat killed in a week after being shot 20 times

A cat has been killed in what the RSCPA are calling a “callous and cruel attack” in Redlingfield, exactly a week after a similar incident less than 10 miles away in Bressingham.

In the most recent incident, a black and white Tom cat was shot with more than 20 shotgun pellets – in its eye, neck, lungs and head – in Mill Road on Sunday, before making its way home to its owners, limping and covered in blood, where owners took it to an emergency veterinary surgery.

The cat, named White Toes, was a put to sleep on the advice of vets that it would not survive the ordeal.

Halesworth Police have since confirmed that, judging by the location of the wounds, the cat would have been facing the shooter, drawing comparisons to an incident that happened exactly a week earlier in nearby Bressingham, when a cat was fatally injured by what was suspected to be an air rifle.

The cat, named Cleo, had to be put down after suffering a bowel injury, which vets said was also likely to be deliberate.

It is not yet clear if the two incident are connected or not.

The RSPCA condemned both attacks, calling them “callous and cruel”.

A spokesman said: “It is heartbreaking to hear that this has happened to these poor cats, and our heart goes out to their owners.

“These were callous and cruel attacks on helpless and defenceless animals and would have caused a lot of suffering.”

Anyone with any information about either shooting has been urged to contact their local police constabulary by calling 101, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.